JDC Pediatrics now has flu vaccine available for our patients. The flu vaccine is recommended for all children 6 months through 18 years of age. This vaccine will provide protection through the 2025-2026 flu season, and your child should receive it as soon as possible.
There are three ways you can schedule a flu vaccine appointment:
- Click here to schedule an appointment. You do not need to have a patient portal account to use this option.
- Log in and schedule through your child's patient portal account.
- Call
717-791-2680, option 1 or 2, and speak with a staff member.
Flu vaccine appointments are available Monday through Friday during normal office hours. However, if your child already has an appointment (of any kind) scheduled with our office during flu season, you may have the flu vaccine given to your child at that visit, as long as the child is healthy and feeling well. You do not need to let us know ahead of time - simply ask the medical assistant when you are taken to your exam room. We normally offer the flu vaccine to all patients coming in for appointments, whether or not they have asked for it ahead of time. Siblings may also receive the vaccine at the same time.
If this is the
first time your child (up to and including age 8) is receiving a flu vaccine, he or she will need a second dose after 30 days.
Even if you have previously declined a flu vaccine for your child, please consider this:
Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can cause severe illness and even death in children. The flu vaccine is safe, effective, and can be given alongside other routine immunizations and the COVID-19 vaccine. All children age 6 months and older should get their vaccine before influenza starts circulating in your community, preferably by the end of October (or sooner). Everyone around your children should be vaccinated, too.
Getting sick with the flu can be costly, possibly requiring doctor visits, hospital stays, and lost time from work to care for sick children. It is always better to prevent a disease than to have to treat it or live with the consequences of having it. Getting a flu shot each year is the BEST way to protect your children, their friends, and their family members, and most insurance plans cover the vaccine. If you have any questions about the flu vaccine, ask your child's physician. You may also visit the following links for more information on the 2025-2026 influenza season and vaccine.
